Ingredients

• 4 large baking potatoes
• 1 package (12 slices) of bacon, thick cut
• 1/2 cup of flour, all purpose
• 2 quarts of milk, 2%
• 1 cup of Cheddar cheese, sharp, shredded plus extra for garnish
• Sour Cream, for garnish
• chives, fresh, chopped - for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Preheat oven to 350F.

2. Bake potatoes potatoes and bake 45 mins to an hour or until soft

3. Cook the bacon While potatoes are baking, chop bacon into half inch pieces. Heat a heavy bottomed pan over medium high and toss bacon pieces in. Stir frequently until thoroughly browned. Remove pieces with a slotted spoon.

4. Make the roux Add flour to the drippings and cook for about a minute. Make sure the flour doesn't burn. Slowly whisk in the milk. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the roux has come together into a thick consistency. Add more milk to thin, if necessary.

5. Add potatoes When potatoes are done, cut in half and scoop out insides. Cut in chunks and add to pot. Add most of the bacon, reserving a handful for garnish. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Salt and pepper to taste.